Merco Grand Prix...Top 10

With the new season comes new teammates and the Merco Grand Prix was the first race with just myself, Mary Ellen, Karla, and Brianne together. We set modest goals for results with another primary goal being to work well together to keep our sprinters (Mary Ellen and Karla) protected, and communicate well with one another as we continue to learn each other styles and strengths.



The field was large with approximately 60 starters and included very high caliber teams such as High Road, Tibco, and Proman. We were outnumbered by most teams and knew our best strategy was to race smart and conservatively...meaning let the other larger teams chase the breaks, go for primes if the opportunity arises but not waste energy battling with the larger teams. We did just this. With about ten laps to go, a strong break with all the big teams was off the front. Brianne launched herself away from the field with Anke Wichmann from High Road and it looked like a promising effort to bridge to the break. Unfortunately with three to go, the field caught Brianne and Anke. The field reshuffled and I had Mary Ellen on my wheel. At this point I knew my job was to help her stay protected from the wind and try to keep moving her up for the field sprint. At the final turn I was done and took it really wide, ME took the inside line and blasted past riders for an 8th place finish overall. Karla held great position throughout the race and placed 19th...giving us two placings in the money! Overall a great team experience.